Dunn gets early campaign boost with fundraiser

“It’s very competitive out there,” fundraiser host Allan Bense said. “You have to show strength.”

ERYN DION News Herald Reporter @PCNHErynDion

PANAMA CITY — On the night he was elected to Congress, Rep. Neal Dunn didn’t sleep.

Instead, he made a list of 13 laws he wanted to help pass during his two-year term. Some things, like decreasing the tax rate, were in the pipeline, he said. Others — like passing legislation in the U.S. House to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, making it easier to investigate and fire problem employees in the VA employees, and rolling back Environmental Protections Agency regulations — earned a check. Protecting the oystermen of the Apalachicola River earned half a check — they still were fighting that battle.

“I feel like I’ve made a lot of headway,” Dunn said. “Six months in and I need a new list.”

It’s only been six months since Dunn was sworn in to represent the 2nd Congressional District, but the re-election campaign gears already are grinding, kicking off with a fundraiser hosted by former Florida House speaker Allan Bense. Taking place at Bense’s stately Beach Drive home, more than 150 guests attended, bringing in over $175,000 toward Dunn’s re-election.

“It’s very competitive out there,” Bense said. “You have to show strength.”

While Dunn has been spending most of his time in Washington, Bense said support for the Panama City lawmaker back home is “rock solid,” as shown by the large number of guests who already had pledged the $5,000 personal campaign contribution limit.

“He’s worked this district hard,” Bense said.

Though the midterm elections are over a year away, Bense said candidates should start raising money by mid-summer, adding “the early bird gets the worm.” For the 2016 election, Dunn announced his candidacy in August 2015.

As for life on Capitol Hill, Dunn said he wished people saw more of Democrats and Republicans working together. Though he’s an ardent supporter of President Trump, Dunn pointed out he’s worked across the aisle with Democrats on many of the bills the House has passed.

“There’s some good stuff there,” he said. “You just don’t see it.”

By all accounts, Dunn faced a difficult primary fight last year, edging out his opponent, Mary Thomas, by only two points in the August election. While rumors are swirling, he said it’s too early to tell if he’s in for another tough fight in 2018.

“But if it is, I certainly will be ready,” he said.

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